Lodging | North Idaho

Contemplating a summer cabin or lookout rental? Listed below are some popular venues on public lands offered for rent

St. Joe River Area (St. Joe Ranger District - comprised primarily of the St. Joe River basin)

Red Ives Cabin

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests St. Joe Ranger District is accepting applications through February for a lottery to select reservation rental dates for the popular Red Ives Cabin on the St. Joe. More information and lottery application, click hereSt. Maries Ranger Station at (208) 245-2531.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the end of March.

Cabin rental dates not booked through the lottery process will be available on a “first-come” basis and will be posted on the cabin web site the first week of April.

Arid Peak Lookout

Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to provide early detection of fires. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years. Restored to it's original splendor in 1996 and 1997, it is set on a 20 foot tower and overlooks the beautiful Loop Creek area and the scenic "Route of the Hiawatha rail-trail". It is on the National Historic Register of Fire Lookouts.

Getting to the lookout requires a moderate 3 mile hike. Furnishings include two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, propane lantern, propane campsotve, water containers, table with two chairs, replica fire finder, and a wood stove. There is an outhouse near the lookout. Not recommended for small children.

Clarkia Bunkhouse

The Clarkia Guest Bunkhouse can accommodate up to 19 people making it ideal for groups and families. This is the only rental site on the IPNF available on a year around basis. Located close to the Emerald Creek Garnet Area the bunkhouse makes a great place to stay after digging for Garnets all day.

Surveyor’s Lookout reservations

Surveyor’s Lookout is perched at 6,000' elevation on top of Surveyors Ridge. This 30 foot tower overlooks the spectacular Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, Snow Peak and the surrounding mountains. Snow Peak, Middle Sister and Mallard Peak Lookouts are still standing and can be seen from Surveyors. The lookout is available for rental from Mid-July to the end of September.